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MLUG.ca: Free Software in Eastern Europe

"One might think that Eastern Europe would be fertile ground for
Linux and Free Software. Conventional wisdom suggests that in areas
where populations are well-educated but have fewer economic
resources, Linux would be an attractive option. One would think
that better, more reliable code and lower costs would result in
wide adoption; but this is not enough, and Free Software faces an
uphill struggle in these regions.

"Over a decade ago we witnessed an extraordinary series of
events as the Soviet Union broke apart and Eastern European
Communist governments toppled like dominos. In the wake of change,
many of the former Communist countries were left in economic
disarray. High unemployment, periods of hyperinflation, decaying
infrastructure, rampant corruption, low wages; the list of problems
is long. Several of these countries are faring better now, but few
enjoy anything close to the living standards of the west. Western
currencies are in short supply and few can afford proprietary
products. Yet Free Software is far more rare than one would
expect..."